For many digital nomads, the freedom to work remotely while exploring the world is the ultimate dream. However, some nomads seek more than just temporary residency—they want to put down roots and gain citizenship in a foreign country. While most digital nomad visas are designed for short- to medium-term stays, a few offer a path to permanent residency and citizenship. If you’re a remote worker looking to transition from a temporary visa to a long-term home, these destinations may be your best bet.
Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas with a Path to Citizenship
1. Portugal
- Visa Type: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D7 or D8 Visa)
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 5 years
- Key Benefits: Access to EU citizenship, affordable cost of living, tax incentives
Portugal’s digital nomad visa (under the D7 or D8 categories) allows remote workers and freelancers to reside in the country while enjoying access to healthcare and financial services. After five years of legal residency, visa holders can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. Portugal is a part of the European Union (EU), meaning citizenship provides the right to live and work anywhere in the Schengen Zone.
2. Spain
- Visa Type: Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 10 years (2 years for some nationalities)
- Key Benefits: Access to EU citizenship, excellent infrastructure, strong expat community
Spain launched its digital nomad visa in 2023, allowing remote workers to stay for up to five years. After this period, residents can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, they may be eligible for Spanish citizenship. However, citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews can apply for citizenship after only two years of residency.
3. Greece
- Visa Type: Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 7 years
- Key Benefits: EU citizenship, beautiful climate, low cost of living
Greece offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers who earn at least €3,500 per month. After two years, nomads can apply for a residence permit. Those who live in Greece continuously for seven years can apply for Greek citizenship, which grants access to EU residency rights.
4. Italy
- Visa Type: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (New in 2024)
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Key Benefits: EU citizenship, high quality of life, long-term stability
Italy recently introduced its digital nomad visa for highly skilled remote workers. After obtaining residency through this visa, digital nomads can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years. Italy’s attractive lifestyle, rich culture, and access to Schengen travel make it a top choice for long-term settlement.
5. Estonia
- Visa Type: Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 8 years
- Key Benefits: EU access, low corporate tax rates, strong digital infrastructure
Estonia’s digital nomad visa is ideal for tech-savvy entrepreneurs and remote workers. While the visa itself does not directly lead to citizenship, it provides a stepping stone to long-term residency. Those who transition from a digital nomad visa to Estonia’s long-term residence permit can apply for Estonian citizenship after eight years.
6. Argentina
- Visa Type: Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 2 years
- Key Benefits: Fast-track to citizenship, no income tax for digital nomads, low cost of living
Argentina offers one of the fastest paths to citizenship for digital nomads. With its digital nomad visa, remote workers can apply for permanent residency after one year. After two years of legal residency, they may be eligible to apply for Argentine citizenship, which allows visa-free travel to over 170 countries.
7. Brazil
- Visa Type: Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
- Residency to Citizenship Timeline: 4 years
- Key Benefits: Fast-track to citizenship, strong economy, affordable living
Brazil offers a one-year renewable digital nomad visa that can lead to permanent residency after four years. Those who establish strong ties to Brazil and learn Portuguese can apply for citizenship. Brazilian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the EU and UK.
Why Choose a Digital Nomad Visa with a Citizenship Path?
1. Stability and Long-Term Security
While short-term digital nomad visas offer freedom of movement, those looking for a long-term base need residency rights and legal protection. Countries with a citizenship path allow nomads to build a future without worrying about visa renewals.
2. Access to More Travel Benefits
A second passport can increase travel freedom, allowing digital nomads to visit more countries visa-free. For example, EU citizenship grants access to 27 countries, while Argentine and Brazilian passports offer extensive global mobility.
3. Financial and Tax Incentives
Some countries provide lower taxes or exemptions for new residents. Portugal and Greece, for instance, offer tax incentives for the first few years of residency. In Argentina, digital nomads do not pay local income tax if they earn from foreign sources.
4. Better Work and Business Opportunities
Being a legal resident or citizen makes it easier to open a business, buy property, and access banking services. Many digital nomads who start with a temporary visa eventually invest in local businesses or real estate as they integrate into the country’s economy.
Choosing the Right Country for Citizenship
When deciding on a digital nomad visa with a citizenship pathway, consider:
- Residency requirements: How long do you need to stay before applying for citizenship?
- Tax policies: Will you be required to pay local taxes?
- Cost of living: Can you afford to live comfortably while meeting income requirements?
- Passport strength: How many countries can you travel to with this passport?
- Language and culture: Are you willing to adapt and potentially learn a new language?
For those looking to transition from digital nomad life to full citizenship, these visa programs offer a legal way to settle down while maintaining the flexibility of remote work. Whether it’s the EU residency benefits of Portugal and Spain or the fast-track citizenship of Argentina and Brazil, choosing the right country can set you up for a secure and prosperous future.